Fungal infection is easily treated
BY DR. PETER GOTT
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Published: March 31, 2009
DEAR DR. GOTT: My young son has two areas of ringworm on his arm. Since we’ve never experienced this before, I would like some direction as to how I can best treat it.
DEAR READER: Ringworm is an infection of the skin caused by a fungus, not by a worm. There are several forms that cause itchy, red, scaly patches that can blister and ooze. Areas commonly affected are arms, legs, nails, the scalp, groin and feet. Those that occur around the groin area are commonly known as jock itch; those of the feet are commonly known as athlete’s foot.
Bacteria and fungi live on the body. Some are useful, but others are not. Those that aren’t have the ability to multiply rapidly and form infections.
Ringworm is contagious and easily can be passed from person to person through direct contact, by sharing a hairbrush, comb, unwashed clothing or in common shower areas. Dogs and more commonly cats also carry the fungus.
Ringworm usually is diagnosed through an exam. It is often eradicated without physician involvement by using over-the-counter antifungal creams, lotions or powders, specifically those that contain miconazole.
One such product is Miranel, which contains 2 percent miconazole nitrate as its active ingredient. It is promoted as an antifungal for areas around and under nails but can be applied directly to areas where ringworm exists. Treatment with this or other brands available at your local pharmacy should show results within a month. Your pharmacist will be able to assist you with the various brands.
Keep infected areas dry, and shampoo hair regularly. Treat pets if they are the offending source. Wash linens regularly.
If the fungus was acquired at a community pool or similar facility, wear sandals or shoes in those areas to reduce the risk of exposure.
If a lesion is question-
able, consult a physician. He or she can test with a blue light in a darkened room. If a fungus appears, it will appear fluorescent and will provide the proper diagnosis.
Consult a doctor if patches worsen in intensity, become warm to the touch, if a fever occurs or if red streaking appears near the site of the ringworm.
DEAR DR. GOTT: I had a lot of nosebleeds as a child and into my teens. My mother had me drink a cup of warm
Jell-O two or three times a day. As a result, I had a lot fewer nosebleeds.
DEAR READER: This is certainly a new one to me. Jell-O and other brands contain gelatin, a glutinous material used as a food item, in medicine and in photography.
I must admit I cannot connect the dots between your nosebleeds and Jell-O.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my health report "Compelling Home Remedies.”
Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, business-size envelope and a check or money order for $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
Gott is a retired physician and author of the book "Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Diet” and "Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook.”
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